Elderberry still bubbling!

[Hedgerow hoarder]

Hello it's been ages and my dj of elderberry port is still blowing bubbles. Is this normal.?

[MKG]

At this time of year, yes.

Don't fret - a long, slow fermentation is said to produce better results than a quick one. Patience, patience

Mike

[Hedgerow hoarder]

I was hoping for a Xmas tipple , think it will be next year now. I have read it is better to keep it bottled for a while to mature and taste better. So I need to wait.

[Green Aura]

Depends if you put any tannin in. We always put a cup of tea in our red wines but then they take about 10-12 months to mature. Gives it a bit more body though, so worth the wait. And they keep longer too (not that they're usually put to that test ).

[Hedgerow hoarder]

Caulked my dj up and it's been 7 months now, can I syphon it off now to bottles or have I left it way to late? Don't fancy drinking a dj of port in one night!

[MKG]

Bloody Hell - that's taken some time!!! All the better, though - it should be cracking stuff. One glassful out of a demijohn doesn't mean you have to panic about oxidation - it would still be OK in another month, so I wouldn't hurry overmuch. Take a glass and sample it (pour it VERY carefully if there's any deposit in the bottom). I would have thought you'll find it absolutely ready for bottling. If so, bottle away.

And congratulations on being Ish's most patient winemaker

Mike

[Hedgerow hoarder]

Ha ha ha my girlfriend would disagree with you on that! thanks for the advice it was a hectic Xmas then a holiday , then just forgot.
I'm going to try in the next couple of wks then if all is good bottle some and drink some. My plan is to keep some to mature while I make some more this seasons!

[SaveSomeGreen]

you any find when it comes to sampling that a good old turkey baster (well cleaned and sterilised) is very good for taking out a little to sample.